The volcano, Mexico’s second-highest peak, began erupted early this morning.
Luis Filipes, the country’s civil defence chief, said ash was failing on a number of communities.
He Tweeted: “As a result of the Popocatépetl activity recorded this morning, we have reports of ash fall in Amecameca, Acuautla, Ecatzingo, Ozumba and Tepetlixpa.”
He later urged nearby residents to not stray within 12km of the volcano, warning: “Respect her!”
Dr Carlos Valdes of the National Centre for Disaster Prevention said the volcano was hurling debris as far as 400 metres.
He said an ash cloud was extending 2km into the sky before falling across a wide area.
This is a developing story, more to follow…